Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate

May 19 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

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New Haven Man to be Ordained as a Transitional Deacon, Bringing him One Step Closer to the Priesthood

Hartford, Conn. – (May 3, 2016) On Saturday, May 19th, Anthony Federico, 34, will be one step closer to becoming a priest when he is ordained as a transitional deacon at Annunciation Parish, 626 Willard Ave., Newington, where he currently serves. Annunciation Parish is comprised of St. Mary and Holy Spirit Churches. Bishop Emeritus Peter A. Rosazza will preside over the Mass at 11 a.m.

Federico was born and raised in New Haven in an Italian-American family where religion played an important role in their lives. He attended Notre Dame High School and earned a degree in theology from Providence College. Upon college graduation, he was not convinced he wanted to become a priest. Instead, he took a position as a sports writer and editor at ESPN. The job was exciting and challenging. Then one day, the unexpected happened – he was fired for writing a headline that many people considered racist. He had done this unwittingly, but the experience led him to rethink his path in life, one which led him to the priesthood. He is now in his last year at Theological College at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

“As I approach the final year of formation to the priesthood, I am overcome by all that the Lord has done for me. Who am I to receive such a gift as Holy Orders? Jesus is extravagant in His mercy and generosity. I keep asking for the graces I need to serve faithfully as a deacon and someday as a holy priest for the people of the Archdiocese of Hartford,” said Federico.

Director for Vocations of the Archdiocese of Hartford Rev. Michael Casey is looking forward to welcoming him into the priesthood next Spring in 2019.

“I am grateful that Anthony has been open to the call of the Lord to serve Him as a priest. His attentive listening to how God is leading him in the midst of the various moments of his life is an example to follow. The Church in Hartford rejoices at his ordination the Diaconate and looks forward to his priestly ordination next year,” said Rev. Casey.

For a video about Anthony’s journey click here. The video was produced by Grotto Network/University of Notre Dame.